Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Recipe

If you’re craving a side dish that bursts with sweetness, warmth, and a hint of savory goodness, the Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish takes humble corn kernels and elevates them with a luscious honey butter glaze that beautifully caramelizes in a hot skillet, creating irresistible golden edges and a flavor that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just want a comforting treat, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and buttery notes in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward but plays a crucial role in building a dish that’s vibrant in flavor and texture. From the sweet corn to the rich butter and honey, all the way to the seasonings, every component is essential and easy to find.

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Fresh corn adds a natural sweetness and crunch, while frozen is a great convenient option.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This creates the creamy, rich base for the honey butter sauce that clings to the corn.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and helps achieve that beautiful caramelization in the skillet.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Prevents sticking and helps the corn cook evenly with a light fruity note.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of spice to complement the honey’s sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Recipe

Step 1: Heat your skillet

Start by warming a large skillet over medium heat. A well-heated pan ensures that the corn cooks evenly and gets those satisfying little golden-brown spots that add texture and flavor.

Step 2: Warm the olive oil

Add the olive oil to the skillet and let it heat for about 30 seconds. This step creates a slick surface so your corn doesn’t stick, while adding a subtle fruity undertone that works beautifully with the honey butter later.

Step 3: Cook the corn kernels

Pour in your corn kernels, whether fresh from the cob or thawed from frozen. Stir occasionally to keep the kernels moving and cooking evenly, allowing them to get nice little golden edges as they heat through.

Step 4: Caramelize the corn

Let the corn cook for 5-7 minutes. As those kernels start to turn golden-brown, they develop a deeper flavor that forms the perfect base for the honey butter sauce.

Step 5: Melt the butter

While the corn is cooking, melt the butter gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Keeping it low and slow ensures the butter doesn’t brown, maintaining a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 6: Combine honey with butter

Once the butter is melted, stir in the honey and heat the mixture for another minute or two. This forms the signature honey butter glaze that’s sweet, luscious, and perfect for coating the corn.

Step 7: Pour honey butter over the corn

When your corn is beautifully caramelized and hot, pour the honey butter mixture over the skillet. The heat helps the glaze cling to each kernel, turning the dish irresistibly glossy and flavorful.

Step 8: Season and stir

Add salt and black pepper, then stir gently to coat every kernel evenly. The seasoning balances the sweetness, enhancing the complex flavor profile of this skillet corn.

Step 9: Let flavors meld

Keep cooking the corn for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the corn to soak up the honey butter sauce, making every bite juicy and flavorful.

Step 10: Remove from heat

Take the skillet off the stove to prevent overcooking and preserve the fresh textures and flavors you’ve worked so hard to build.

Step 11: Add parsley garnish

If you love a fresh herby touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. This adds a lovely green contrast and a mild herbal note that brightens the whole dish.

Step 12: Serve immediately

Skillet Corn with Honey Butter is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan, to savor the full creaminess and warmth of the honey butter coating each golden kernel.

How to Serve Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch, but you can also try crumbled feta or a dusting of smoked paprika for a different twist. These toppings add layers of flavor and a bit of color to make the dish pop on your plate.

Side Dishes

This skillet corn is an incredibly versatile side that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or a juicy steak. It also complements vegetarian meals featuring grilled veggies or hearty grain bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this corn in a rustic cast iron skillet on the table for a cozy, shared experience. Or, spoon it over warm tortillas with some avocado and a squeeze of lime for a quick, delicious street-style snack that your guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover skillet corn, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day treat.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Recipe because the texture of cooked corn can become slightly grainy after thawing. If you must, freeze in a sealed container for up to one month and expect a change in texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally. This helps the honey butter re-melt and coats the corn well again. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the texture pleasant.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works wonderfully here and is a great option when fresh corn isn’t in season. Just thaw it first and pat dry if it seems very wet to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

Is there a substitute for honey in the honey butter?

If you’re not a fan of honey or need an alternative, maple syrup or agave nectar make fantastic substitutes. Each will impart a slightly different sweetness, but all blend beautifully with the butter.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap unsalted butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and you’ll still get that rich, buttery feeling. The honey butter glaze will remain the star.

How do I keep the corn from burning in the skillet?

Cooking over medium heat and stirring occasionally prevents sticking and burning. Make sure to add the olive oil first to create a non-stick surface for even cooking.

What is the best way to serve leftover skillet corn?

Leftover skillet corn is delicious warmed up and served as a quick side. You can also mix it into salads, toss it with pasta, or add it as a flavorful topping on baked potatoes or nachos.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a dish like this Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Recipe—simple, sweet, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight side or a crowd-pleasing addition to your meal, this recipe is a beautiful way to showcase the humble corn kernel in all its golden glory. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.

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